Every dog deserves a human who will care for them with patience, kindness, and love.
Sadly, this isn’t the reality for many dogs. Those that come from neglectful or abusive homes often grow up never knowing what real affection feels like.
Ziggy was one of those unfortunate souls. Despite her sweet and gentle nature, she was never given the love she so desperately craved in her previous home.
Her story took a turn for the better when rescuers discovered her abandoned near a vacant house in Florida, along with three other dogs. It’s believed their owners had been evicted and left them behind, without food, water, or care.
A Terrified Pup In The Shelter
Ziggy was brought to Palm Beach Animal Care and Control. The moment she arrived, it was clear she was frightened and confused.
The loud noises, crowded space, and overwhelming stress of the shelter only deepened her trauma.
She was so scared that she couldn’t walk on a leash and needed to be carried from place to place.
Her caregivers suspected that she had likely been used for breeding, which could explain her anxious and defeated demeanor.
Realizing that Ziggy couldn’t recover in such a stressful environment, the shelter staff began searching for a foster home.
That’s when they contacted Jess Katz and her boyfriend, Steve Leone. The couple had fostered many dogs over the years, known for their patience and compassion.
They immediately agreed to help and arrived at the shelter, ready to give Ziggy a safe space to adjust. At their home, they set up a crate where she could retreat and take things at her own pace.
It didn’t take long for them to notice that Ziggy was especially fearful of men. She wanted to be close, but fear always held her back, leaving her frozen between longing and hesitation.
Katz and Leone decided to take things slowly, allowing Ziggy to settle in at her own speed. They gave her plenty of space, gently encouraging her, and celebrated every small bit of progress.
A Gentle Approach And Small Victories
Mealtimes were particularly challenging. Ziggy was so anxious that she couldn’t eat on her own. Katz would sit beside her, quietly reassuring her until Ziggy felt comfortable enough to eat.
Leone also made his own efforts to bond with her. He would lie on the floor near her crate, speaking softly and offering gentle cuddles when she allowed it.
Gradually, Ziggy began to realize that these humans were different. They weren’t going to hurt her. They simply wanted to show her love.
Her confidence grew as she began spending more time outside with the family’s other dogs. For the first time, Ziggy was able to experience the joy of playing alongside canine companions.
The other dogs became her teachers, showing her what it was like to just be a dog: running, playing, and enjoying life without fear.
Katz noticed that Ziggy was completely new to life inside a home. She stared at mirrors in confusion, as if she had never seen her own reflection. Every little discovery was part of Ziggy’s healing process.
The First Signs Of Affection
One of the most touching moments came when Ziggy finally found the courage to seek affection.
Katz captured the moment on video, showing Ziggy walking cautiously toward Leone and letting him pet her for the first time.
Katz later shared the video on TikTok, where it quickly went viral. Viewers were overwhelmed with emotion, celebrating Ziggy’s bravery.
“Watch how my foster dog gains confidence to approach my boyfriend when she sees how the other dogs feel safe with him,” Katz wrote in the caption.
The video shows Leone kneeling on the floor, showering the couple’s three dogs with affection.
Ziggy, who had been watching from across the room, began to inch closer, as if asking, “Is it okay if I join too?”
Leone extended his hand gently, petting her while continuing to give affection to the other dogs.
For Ziggy, this was a breakthrough. Her face lit up with happiness, and for the first time, she felt what it was like to truly belong.
A Bright Future Ahead
The moment touched hearts worldwide. Thousands of TikTok users left comments, praising Ziggy’s progress and offering encouragement for her continued journey.
Now, Ziggy is thriving in her foster home. She loves following Katz around the house and often seeks affection on her own.
While Katz and Leone love her deeply, they already have three dogs and plan to continue fostering others in need. This means they won’t be able to keep Ziggy permanently.
Still, they are confident that Ziggy will soon find the perfect forever family who will cherish her for the rest of her life.
After everything Ziggy has endured, she is finally learning what love, safety, and comfort truly mean.